The 2023 NFL Draft will be a great event for teams to start building for their future. Here is the Drew Sanders 2023 NFL Draft Profile.
Position: Linebacker
School: Arkansas
Size: 6-foot-5, 230 pounds
Class: Junior
2022 stats: 103 total tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 1 interception, 5 passes defended, 1 fumble recovery, 3 forced fumbles
Sanders spent time at Alabama and Arkansas, but really starred for the Razorbacks in 2022. Now he is in the 2023 NFL Draft.
As a Texas high school recruit, Sanders was rated five stars and chose to play for Alabama. He played sparingly as a freshman for the Crimson Tide, registering nine total tackles. In 2021, he saw more playing time, as he had 24 total tackles. Following the 2021 season, Sanders decided to transfer to Arkansas. At linebacker for the Razorbacks, Sanders had a tremendous season with 103 total tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks. His play helped Arkansas make a bowl game.
After opting out of the Liberty Bowl, Sanders declared for the 2023 NFL Draft. He is a projected first or second-round pick.
Sanders is an exceptional athlete for the linebacker position. He shows good burst/acceleration and speed, which is apparent in his range. Sanders also has good flexibility and can change directions quickly. His athleticism for his size is really great and helps him beat offensive linemen as a rusher.
His versatility is very unique. Sanders could be drafted as an edge rusher or inside linebacker at the next level. He started as an outside linebacker at Alabama, but was very successful as an inside linebacker at Arkansas. He has the range to develop in coverage and also pursue ball carriers as a linebacker. At Arkansas, he also showed his pass-rushing skills as a blitzer. This versatility makes him a fit for a lot of teams.
He has a good frame to build on for whatever position he is lined up at for the next level. Sanders is 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds. While he will need to add strength to his frame, it looks like that is possible. He also has good length to use to disengage from blocks whether he is on the edge or at inside linebacker.
As mentioned, Sanders could add more play strength. He can struggle to break free from blocks at inside linebacker. If a team wants to use him as an edge rusher, he will need to add at least 15 pounds to his frame in order to match up well with opposing offensive linemen. Either way, Sanders could use more strength.
He only started for one season at Arkansas, so his coverage skills could use some developing. Sanders has the athleticism to be able to cover in man to man. His awareness will have to improve in zone coverage. He has the mobility to be successful in both man and zone coverage, he just has limited experience.
His production was great for one season at inside linebacker because of his great range. He can improve by showing better play recognition against the run. Sanders can get to the ball quicker and be even more disruptive if he reads his keys faster.
Projected Draft Range: First Round Pick-Second Round Pick
Draft Grade: Second-Round Pick
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